Routh holds lead in 53rd City-Am

Saturday

ASHEBORO — Andy Routh said Friday afternoon, he had been waiting on a round like he has just shot at Holly Ridge Golf Links.

ASHEBORO — Andy Routh said Friday afternoon, he had been waiting on a round like he has just shot at Holly Ridge Golf Links.

Now, one more is all that separates him from the complete weekend and a championship.

The opening-round leader backed up with stellar five-under-par round at Holly Ridge Golf Links (HRGL) with one of five under-par rounds at the Asheboro Municipal Golf Course (AMGC) to take a one-shot lead into today’s final round of the 53rd annual Asheboro City-Amateur Golf Championships at the Pinewood Country Club.

Routh came into the day with a two-shot lead, but didn’t have his best game on the tough, tight AMGC layout. But even though he had some struggles on the course, he managed to finish with the best score of the day, matched by four other players there Saturday to stay atop the leaderboard.

"I didn’t play as well out there as I would have liked," Routh said. "I put the ball in the creek on the par-5 back there and that cost me, but I was able to scrape it around and get it up and down. It worked out pretty well."

Routh fired a one-under-par 69 to finish with a two-day 136 tally. Josh Turner stayed two shots back of Routh at 138 after also turning in a 69, but slipped to third.

But over at Holly Ridge where the other half of the field played Saturday, City-Am rookie Brent Stovall put up a stellar five-under-par round just like Routh did the day before. That, along with his even-par 70 from Friday moved Stovall into second, one stroke behind.

"I really didn’t do anything the first six holes," Stovall said, adding he gained some momentum at the turn, then an eagle on 14 and a birdie on the final hole powered him to the finish.

"I just didn’t make any mistakes. I still didn’t hit it that great. I’m happy with the way I played considering."

Trailing the top three are Lee Parks, Chris Brown and Gary Pugh, all at 143 six shots back. Tied for seventh, seven shots back, are former City-Am champs Tony Concutelli and Steve Kidd and 15-year-old City-Am Junior champion Justin Emmons with 144s.

"It’s probably a few more shots than I’d like, but got as much out of it as I could today," Parks said after his one-under 69 got him into the final foursome on Sunday.

The shot of the day came from Super Seniors player Wayne Fogleman, who joined Routh, Turner, Parks and Brown with 69s Saturday, thanks in large part to a hole-in-one. Fogleman, playing with Brad Fogleman, Joe Schneider and Wayne Hutchins, used a nine-iron on the par-3 fifth hole playing at 121 yards.

Now comes the final 18 over the tricky Pinewood Country Club.

"It may not be my strongest course, but it’s a course of home-knowledge that helps you out and I’m getting to know that course really well," Routh said. "So, we’ll go out there and see what happens."

While not as familiar with the course, Stovall is looking forward to today’s final round.

I have played it 5-6 times. I have seen Pinewood enough to know what’s what. I feel like I can handle that course," he said. "Just avoid big numbers.

"I’m excited. It should be a battle. I’m not going to do anything different. I just want to go out and feel like if I play my potential, I’m going to have a chance."

If the leaders find some trouble, Parks, Pugh or Brown at 143 could play into the picture, much like Derrick Caudill’s championship run last year.

"Derrick came back from about six or so last year, so you know it could be done," Parks said, adding he can’t count on a collapse to open the door. "Probably just go out and try to shoot the lowest score I can. Try to make some birdies and play well. If (leaders) have good day, they’ll be tough to catch."

Pugh, a former City-Am winner, said that paying attention to what the leaders do may factor into today’s round.

"Well I think as far as Pinewood anything can happen. You’ve got to recognize where your opportunities are going to be," he said. "Then if it comes down to a match-play situation (late), what they do can effect what you do."

"But knowing that you’re six down, you’re going to have to start off aggressive yourself and just hope you’ve got your ‘A’ game."

And it will begin this afternoon.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.